When a car accident occurs, most people immediately think of repair costs and loss of use compensation, such as rental car expenses during repairs or the inconvenience of being unable to use their vehicle. However, there is another important legal right that many car owners overlook: car depreciation compensation.
Car depreciation is a type of damage that can be claimed under the law, and in many cases, it can amount to hundreds of thousands of baht.
Car depreciation refers to the reduction in a vehicle’s market value after an accident. Even if the car is fully repaired and can be used normally, in the resale market, a “previously damaged car” is worth less than a car that has never been in an accident. No one wants to buy a car with an accident history at the same price as an undamaged one. This is why the law allows victims to claim car depreciation in addition to repair costs and loss of use compensation.
What Is Car Depreciation and Why Is It Important?
Car depreciation means the economic loss caused by the reduction in a vehicle’s value after an accident, even if the car has been repaired and restored to working condition. In practice, a car that has been involved in an accident is perceived as having higher risk, a damage history, and a greater chance of future problems.
For example, a new car worth 1,200,000 baht that has never been in an accident may be resold at a high price. But once it is involved in an accident and repaired, no matter how well it is fixed, its market value may drop to only 1,000,000 baht.
The difference of 200,000 baht is the car depreciation, which can be claimed from the party at fault.
Common Problems Victims Face When Claiming Car Depreciation
In practice, claiming car depreciation is not easy. Many people are rejected by insurance companies or told that “it is not covered by the policy” or that “the law does not support such claims.” This causes victims to mistakenly believe that they have no right to claim depreciation compensation.
The main problems include:
- Not knowing that car depreciation can be claimed
- Not knowing how to calculate and prove the damage
- Not understanding legal procedures
- Lacking professional guidance to plan an effective legal strategy
As a result, many people accept only repair costs and loss of use compensation and unfortunately miss the opportunity to claim car depreciation.
To Receive a High Car Depreciation Claim, Legal Strategy Is Essential
Successfully claiming a significant amount of car depreciation does not depend on luck, it depends on the skills and legal techniques of a lawyer from the very beginning of the case. This includes:
1. Systematic collection of facts and evidence
2. Accurate assessment of the true value of damages
3. Proper legal planning and strategy
4. Choosing the most effective and time-efficient legal process
5. Avoiding unnecessary negotiations that waste time without results
In many cases, filing a lawsuit directly can be the most effective option, rather than repeatedly negotiating with insurance companies without reaching a clear conclusion.
Real Case Example – Claiming Car Depreciation Worth Hundreds of Thousands
In one case handled by Attorney Arm, the victim consulted a lawyer from the very beginning and explained the incident step by step in detail. The lawyer then gathered the information and prepared the case file systematically.
The key strategy in this case was not wasting time negotiating with the insurance company, but proceeding directly with legal action, as it was clear that negotiation would only delay justice.
The results were:
- Car depreciation compensation of 100,000 baht
- Loss of use compensation of approximately 99,000 baht
- Repair time lasted 142 days
Notably, the car depreciation compensation was higher than the loss of use compensation. This clearly demonstrates that with proper legal strategy, victims can obtain fair and meaningful compensation.
After a Car Accident, Do Not Delay Consult a Lawyer Immediately
Many people wait too long before thinking about claiming car depreciation, which can result in lost evidence or weakened legal positions. Consulting a lawyer from the beginning helps to:
- Ensure that your right to claim car depreciation is not overlooked
- Develop a careful legal strategy
- Increase the chances of receiving higher compensation
- Reduce the risk of being taken advantage of by the opposing party or insurance company
No one wants an accident to happen. But once it does, it is crucial not to let a lack of legal knowledge cause you to lose your rightful compensation.
Car Depreciation Can Be Claimed Do Not Let the Opportunity Slip Away
After a car accident, victims are not limited to claiming only repair costs and loss of use compensation. They are also entitled to claim car depreciation, which represents the true financial loss caused by the reduction of the vehicle’s market value.
Whether you receive a high or low depreciation claim depends on your legal strategy and the expertise of your lawyer. If handled properly from the start, your chances of obtaining full and fair compensation increase significantly.
If you have been involved in a car accident, do not let your opportunity to claim car depreciation slip away.
Consulting a lawyer from the beginning is the key to protecting your rights.
Wongsakorn Law Office is ready to provide professional legal consultation and strategic guidance to ensure that you receive appropriate compensation both for loss of use and car depreciation fully and fairly.
- Car accident? Do not wait and lose your opportunity.
- Consult a lawyer today to claim car depreciation correctly and effectively.
Wongsakorn Law Office – Standing by your side in every legal matter.
